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Viruses Jan 2024Wuxiang virus (WUXV) is the first sandfly-borne isolated from collected in China and has been established as a consistent viral presence in the local sandfly...
Wuxiang virus (WUXV) is the first sandfly-borne isolated from collected in China and has been established as a consistent viral presence in the local sandfly populations of both Wuxiang County and Yangquan City. However, its distribution in the Shanxi Province remains unclear. In this study, three novel WUXV strains were isolated from sandflies collected from Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province, China, in 2022. Subsequently, whole-genome sequences of these novel strains were generated using next-generation sequencing. The open reading frame (ORF) sequences of the WUXV strains from the three locations were subjected to gene analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that WUXV belongs to two distinct clades with geographical differences. Strains from Wuxiang County and Yangquan City belonged to clade 1, whereas strains from Jiexiu City belonged to clade 2. Reassortment and recombination analyses indicated no gene reassortment or recombination between the two clades. However, four reassortments or recombination events could be detected in clade 1 strains. By aligning the amino acid sequences, eighty-seven mutation sites were identified between the two clades, with seventeen, sixty, nine, and one site(s) in the proteins RdRp, M, NSs, and N, respectively. Additionally, selection pressure analysis identified 17 positively selected sites across the entire genome of WUXV, with two, thirteen, one, and one site(s) in the proteins RdRp, M, NSs, and N, respectively. Notably, sites M-312 and M-340 in the M segment not only represented mutation sites but also showed positive selective pressure effects. These findings highlight the need for continuous nationwide surveillance of WUXV.
Topics: Animals; Phylogeny; China; Amino Acid Sequence; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Psychodidae; RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase
PubMed: 38257803
DOI: 10.3390/v16010103 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023The Hedi virus (HEDV) and Wuxiang virus (WUXV) are newly discovered Bunyaviruses transmitted by sandflies. The geographical distribution of isolation of these two...
INTRODUCTION
The Hedi virus (HEDV) and Wuxiang virus (WUXV) are newly discovered Bunyaviruses transmitted by sandflies. The geographical distribution of isolation of these two viruses continues to expand and it has been reported that WUXV causes neurological symptoms and even death in suckling mice. However, little is known about the prevalence of the two viruses in mammalian infections.
METHODS
In order to understand the infection status of HEDV and WUXV in humans and animals from regions where the viruses have been isolated, this study used Western blotting to detect the positive rates of HEDV and WUXV IgG antibodies in serum samples from febrile patients, dogs, and chickens in the forementioned regions.
RESULTS
The results showed that of the 29 human serum samples, 17.24% (5/29) tested positive for HEDV, while 68.96% (20/29) were positive for WUXV. In the 31 dog serum samples, 87.10% (27/31) were positive for HEDV and 70.97% (22/31) were positive for WUXV, while in the 36 chicken serum samples, 47.22% (17/36) were positive for HEDV, and 52.78% (19/36) were positive for WUXV.
DISCUSSION
These findings suggest there are widespread infections of HEDV and WUXV in mammals (dogs, chickens) and humans from the regions where these viruses have been isolated. Moreover, the positive rate of HEDV infections was higher in local animals compared to that measured in human specimens. This is the first seroepidemiological study of these two sandfly-transmitted viruses. The findings of the study have practical implications for vector-borne viral infections and related zoonotic infections in China, as well as providing an important reference for studies on the relationship between sandfly-transmitted viruses and zoonotic infections outside of China.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Mice; Psychodidae; Sandfly fever Naples virus; Chickens; Phlebotomus; Zoonoses; Mammals; Antibodies, Viral; China
PubMed: 38235489
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1291937 -
Archives of Razi Institute Aug 2023Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa....
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Considering the increasing number of CL cases in recent years and the fact that no study has been conducted to identify CL fauna and vectors in Alborz province, this study was carried out to identify sand flies and CL vectors in this region. Sand flies were collected from August to October 2021 from plain and mountainous indoor and outdoor areas of the region using sticky paper traps and were detected morphologically. DNA was extracted from the midguts of female sand flies. In this study, 1157 sand flies were collected and identified. The number of sand flies caught from indoor and outdoor places was 367 (31.72%) and 790 (68.28%), respectively. Overall, six species of flies were of the genus (Raynal, 1937), including (, 695 [60.07%]; Scopoli, 1786), (13 [1.12%]; Shchurenkova, 1926), (232 [20.05%]; Parrot, 1917), (14 [1.21%]; Annandale, 1910), (4 [0.35%]; Marzinowsky, 1917), (18 [1.56%]; Alexandri Sinton, 1920), and four were of the genus (Artemiev, 1978), including (109 [9.42%]; Adler, Theodor & Lourie, 1930), (53 [4.58%]), (14 [1.21%]; Sintoni Pringle, 1933), (5 [0.43%]). spp. were dominant in indoor and outdoor places, with a prevalence of 695 (60.07%). The () gene was identified in five samples of spp. This suggests that is the potential vector spp. in the study area. Moreover, was confirmed as the aetiological agent of CL cases in Alborz province. The identification of vectors and parasite spp. is very important for the treatment and operational planning of disease vectors.
Topics: Female; Animals; Iran; Insect Vectors; Phlebotomus; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Psychodidae; Leishmania major
PubMed: 38226373
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.4.1277 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2024Understanding aspects related to the physiology and capacity of vectors is essential for effectively controlling vector-borne diseases. The sand fly Lutzomyia...
BACKGROUND
Understanding aspects related to the physiology and capacity of vectors is essential for effectively controlling vector-borne diseases. The sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis has great importance in medical entomology for disseminating Leishmania parasites, the causative agent of Leishmaniasis, one of the main neglected diseases listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this respect, it is necessary to evaluate the transmission potential of this species and the success of vector control interventions. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to estimate the age of mosquitoes in different conditions (laboratory, semi-field, and conservation), taxonomic analysis, and infection detection. However, no studies are using NIRS for sand flies.
METHODS
In this study, we developed analytic models to estimate the age of L. longipalpis adults under laboratory conditions, identify their copulation state, and evaluate their gonotrophic cycle and diet.
RESULTS
Sand flies were classified with an accuracy of 58-82% in 3 age groups and 82-92% when separating them into young (<8 days) or old (>8 days) insects. The classification between mated and non-mated sandflies was 98-100% accurate, while the percentage of hits of females that had already passed the first gonotrophic cycle was only 59%.
CONCLUSIONS
We consider the age and copula estimation results very promising, as they provide essential aspects of vector capacity assessment, which can be obtained quickly and at a lower cost with NIRS.
Topics: Female; Animals; Psychodidae; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; Mosquito Vectors; Leishmania; Leishmaniasis; Phlebotomus
PubMed: 38217054
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06097-1 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jan 2024Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with intracellular protozoans of the genus Leishmania. Transmission occurs predominantly by the bite of phlebotomine sandflies,...
BACKGROUND
Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with intracellular protozoans of the genus Leishmania. Transmission occurs predominantly by the bite of phlebotomine sandflies, other routes, including congenital transmission, are rare. The disease manifests as either cutaneous, visceral or mucosal/mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. In recent years, changes in the epidemiological pattern have been reported from Europe.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
A total of 311 new and 29 published leishmaniasis cases occurring between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2021 in Austria were collected and analyzed. These encompassed 146 cutaneous (CL), 14 visceral (VL), 4 mucosal, and 3 cases with concurrent VL and CL. In addition, asymptomatic infections, comprising 11 unspecified cases with Leishmania DNA detectable only in the blood and 162 cases with anti-Leishmania antibodies were reported. Particularly since 2016, the incidence of leishmaniasis has steadily risen, mainly attributable to increasing numbers of CL and cases with positive serology against Leishmania species, whereas the incidence of VL has slowly decreased. Analysis revealed that a shift in the causative species spectrum had occurred and that a substantial number of CL cases were caused by members of the Leishmania donovani/infantum complex. Simultaneous occurrence of VL and CL was identified in immunocompromised individuals, but also in a not yet reported case of an immunocompetent child after vertical transmission.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of leishmaniasis has risen in the recent years. The numbers are anticipated to keep rising due to increasing human mobility, including travel and forced migration, growing reservoir host populations as well as expansion and dispersal of vector species caused by climate and habitat changes, urbanization and globalization. Hence, elevated awareness for the disease, including possible transmission in previously non-endemic regions and non-vector transmission modes, support of sandfly surveillance efforts and implementation and establishment of public health interventions in a One Health approach are pivotal in the global efforts to control and reduce leishmaniasis.
Topics: Animals; Child; Humans; Austria; Leishmania; Leishmaniasis; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Psychodidae; Skin
PubMed: 38198499
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011875 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2024Vector sand fly colonies are a critical component of studies aimed at improving the understanding of the neglected tropical disease leishmaniasis and alleviating its...
Disentangling detrimental sand fly-mite interactions in a closed laboratory sand fly colony: implications for vector-borne disease studies and guidelines for overcoming severe mite infestations.
BACKGROUND
Vector sand fly colonies are a critical component of studies aimed at improving the understanding of the neglected tropical disease leishmaniasis and alleviating its global impact. However, among laboratory-colonized arthropod vectors of infectious diseases, the labor-intensive nature of sand fly rearing coupled with the low number of colonies worldwide has generally discouraged the widespread use of sand flies in laboratory settings. Among the different factors associated with the low productivity of sand fly colonies, mite infestations are a significant factor. Sand fly colonies are prone to infestation by mites, and the physical interactions between sand flies and mites and metabolites have a negative impact on sand fly larval development.
METHODS
Mites were collected from sand fly larval rearing pots and morphologically identified using taxonomic keys. Upon identification, they were photographed with a scanning electron microscope. Several mite control measures were adopted in two different laboratories, one at the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-National Institutes of Health (Rockville, MD, USA), and the other at the University of Calgary (Calgary, AB, Canada).
RESULTS
The mite species associated with sand fly colonies in the two laboratories were morphologically identified as Tyrophagus sp. and Stratiolaelaps scimitus. While complete eradication of mites in sand fly colonies is considered unrealistic, drastically reducing their population has been associated with higher sand fly productivity.
CONCLUSIONS
We report a case of detrimental interaction between sand flies and Tyrophagus sp. and S. scimitus in a closed laboratory sand fly colony, discuss their impact on sand fly production and provide guidelines for limiting the mite population size in a closed laboratory colony leading to improved sand fly yields.
Topics: United States; Animals; Psychodidae; Mites; Laboratories; Phlebotomus; Mite Infestations; Vector Borne Diseases
PubMed: 38183132
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06074-8 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases 2023Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu lato is an important vector of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Latin America. In Mexico, this...
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu lato is an important vector of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Latin America. In Mexico, this species has been recorded in endemic areas of leishmaniasis transmission, but it has never been detected as infected with Leishmania sp. This study aimed to explore the presence of Leishmania DNA in Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. from samples collected with a human baited trap from an endemic region of leishmaniasis in southeastern Mexico.
METHODS
This is a prospective study where a total of 45 specimens of Lu. longipalpis s.l. collected in two sites of Yucatan state with records of leishmaniasis were tested. The nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer was amplified for the detection of Leishmania DNA.
RESULTS
Two females were positive for Leishmania DNA. None of the specimens positive for parasite DNA were found fed or gravid. Our finding represents the first record of infection by Leishmania in Lu. longipalpis s.l. for the country.
INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION
More studies are necessary to understand the potential role of this vector species in the transmission cycle of the causative agent of leishmaniasis in the southeastern and other regions of Mexico.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Psychodidae; Mexico; Prospective Studies; Insect Vectors; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Leishmaniasis; Leishmania infantum; DNA; Brazil
PubMed: 38174527
DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.391880 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases 2023Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale & Brunetti, 1908 (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector responsible for the transmission of Leishmania donovani (Laveran & Mesnil,...
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale & Brunetti, 1908 (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector responsible for the transmission of Leishmania donovani (Laveran & Mesnil, 1903) Ross, 1903 in the subcontinent of India. It is the potential vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. The present study determined ecological factors that influence the abundance of P. argentipes in areas with high disease prevalence in the Anuradhapura district, North Central Sri Lanka.
METHODS
CDC light traps and yellow sticky traps were used for sampling, and abundance was recorded throughout 12 months with selected environmental parameters namely, relative humidity, wind speed, and temperature. The relationships between the abundance of P. argentipes with mean temperature, % relative humidity, and wind speed were tested with regression analysis. The temporal distribution of the vector population was tested with a time series analysis.
RESULTS
The study identified the most preferable microhabitats of P. argentipes: shrubs, unclear areas, gardening areas, wet soil areas with leaf litter, and termite hills. The results indicated that the abundance of P. argentipes was highly dependent on mean temperature (P = 0.00, R = 68%), and a high number of P. argentipes was recorded for a low mean temperature range of 24.7-27.3°C. Furthermore, the abundance of P. argentipes exhibited an increasing trend with high humidity levels of 72-88% (P = 0.00, R = 91.6%).
INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION
These findings may help predict the temporal variation of the potential vector population with studied ecological parameters and contribute to a successful vector management strategy with thorough knowledge of the behavioral pattern of P. argentipes.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Phlebotomus; Sri Lanka; Psychodidae; Leishmania donovani; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; India; Leishmaniasis, Visceral
PubMed: 38174521
DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.383638 -
Scientific Data Jan 2024Several Diptera species are known to transmit pathogens of medical and veterinary interest. However, identifying these species using conventional methods can be...
Several Diptera species are known to transmit pathogens of medical and veterinary interest. However, identifying these species using conventional methods can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, or expensive. A computer vision-based system that uses Wing interferential patterns (WIPs) to identify these insects could solve this problem. This study introduces a dataset for training and evaluating a recognition system for dipteran insects of medical and veterinary importance using WIPs. The dataset includes pictures of Culicidae, Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Tabanidae, Ceratopogonidae, and Psychodidae. The dataset is complemented by previously published datasets of Glossinidae and some Culicidae members. The new dataset contains 2,399 pictures of 18 genera, with each genus documented by a variable number of species and annotated as a class. The dataset covers species variation, with some genera having up to 300 samples.
Topics: Animals; Ceratopogonidae; Deep Learning; Diptera; Insecta; Muscidae
PubMed: 38168517
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02848-y -
PloS One 2023Phlebotomus argentipes complex is the primary vector for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a burgeoning health concern in contemporary Sri Lanka, where effective vector control...
BACKGROUND
Phlebotomus argentipes complex is the primary vector for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a burgeoning health concern in contemporary Sri Lanka, where effective vector control is important for proper disease management. Understanding the genetic diversity of the P. argentipes population in Sri Lanka is vital before implementing a successful vector control program. Various studies have indicated that genetic divergence, caused by genetic drift or selection, can significantly influence the vector capacity of arthropod species. To devise innovative control strategies for P. argentipes, exploring genetic diversity and phylogeography can offer valuable insights into vector competence, key genetic trait transfer, and impact on disease epidemiology. The primary objective is to analyze the genetic diversity and phylogeography of the P. argentipes complex in Sri Lanka, based on two mitochondrial genomic regions in modern representatives of P. argentipes populations.
METHODOLOGY
A total of 159 P. argentipes specimens were collected from five endemic areas of cutaneous leishmaniasis and identified morphologically. Two mitochondrial regions (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) were amplified using the total DNA and subsequently sequenced. Partial sequences of those mitochondrial genes were utilized to analyze genetic diversity indices and to explore phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Among five sampling locations, the highest genetic diversity for COI and ND4 was observed in Hambantota (Hd-0.749, π-0.00417) and Medirigiriya (Hd-0.977, π-0.01055), respectively. Phylogeographic analyses conducted using COI sequences and GenBank retrieved sequences demonstrated a significant divergence of P. argentipes haplotypes found in Sri Lanka. Results revealed that they have evolved from the Indian ancestral haplotype due to historical- geographical connections of the Indian subcontinent with Sri Lanka.
CONCLUSIONS
Utilizing high-mutation-rate mitochondrial genes, such as ND4, can enhance the accuracy of genetic variability analysis in P. argentipes populations in Sri Lanka. The phylogeographical analysis of COI gene markers in this study provides insights into the historical geographical relationship between India and P. argentipes in Sri Lanka. Both COI and ND4 genes exhibited consistent genetic homogeneity in P. argentipes in Sri Lanka, suggesting minimal impact on gene flow. This homogeneity also implies the potential for horizontal gene transfer across populations, facilitating the transmission of genes associated with traits like insecticide resistance. This dynamic undermines disease control efforts reliant on vector control strategies.
Topics: Animals; Psychodidae; Phlebotomus; Phylogeography; Phylogeny; Genes, Mitochondrial; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Sri Lanka; Genetic Variation
PubMed: 38157363
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296286